Suva, Fiji – 14 February 2025 –  The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) hosted a three-day regional Digital Transformation workshop for the Pacific in Suva with support from the Government of Fiji, the Government of Australia, and the Joint SDG Fund.  The workshop enabled participants to share digital-transformation experiences in the Pacific region. It also aimed to build capacity on a whole-of-government approach and on strategies to embrace emerging technologies – such as artificial intelligence (AI) – and to share the findings of a telecom/ICT needs study for the Pacific.

Advocating for digital transformation in these countries, Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director, ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, said, “Digital transformation is a journey not only of leaving no one behind but also of accelerating towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Collaboration and partnerships are key, and we are extremely grateful to our partners including governments, industry, UN agencies, the Joint SDG Fund, the Asian Development Bank and regional organizations, academia, and civil society for their support.”

In his opening remarks, Mr. Shaheen Ali, the Fiji Permanent Secretary for Trade, Cooperatives, MSMEs, and Communications also emphasized that “digital transformation is not just about technology – it’s a fundamental driver of governance, economic growth, and community well-being.”

ICT infrastructure and services are fundamental elements for e-commerce development and a key priority of the Pacific Regional E-commerce Strategy and Roadmap. As agreed by trade ministers in 2021, strengthening these foundations is essential for driving growth in e-commerce and other digital sectors, which, in turn, supports the region’s broader goals for digital transformation and the 2050 Strategy.

The event brought together key ICT government stakeholders, including from Fiji, the Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Kiribati, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, the Solomon Islands and Tuvalu, along with representatives from industry, and international and regional agencies focused on digital transformation in various sectors.

Over three days, stakeholders shared insights and delved into digital transformation initiatives, attempting to identify and foster best practices across the region. Key sessions focused on a whole-of-government approach to digital transformation in the Pacific, acceleration of digital transformation through emerging technologies like AI and GovTech, and key achievements of partner engagements.

Country updates were provided by government focal points, offering a comprehensive view of national and sectoral strategies, digital government, smart villages and smart islands, cybersecurity, digital inclusion, and digital skills.

During the workshop, ITU also launched the Regional Innovation Cafe, a platform to make innovation accessible. The three iCafes focused on topics such as AI and Internet of Things, digital ID to accelerate a whole-of-government approach, and innovative solutions to make smart islands sustainable and scalable.

ITU Regional Director Atsuko Okuda also spoke to the attendees, underscoring the Pacific’s ongoing digital transformation and stressing the importance of inclusivity in the digital era. She described the workshop as a crucial moment to evaluate progress, address challenges, and strategize for the future.